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Volume No. 7 January - February 2016 Issue No. 1 From the Editor’s desk… Let’s contribute to making this world a peaceful and happy place. We have, as part of our journey in this endeavour, presented to you a brief on 25 countries (one from each alphabet, except X). We hope you learn more about the planet we live in. I thank all contributors from each of the Sanmartini teams in making this very special to us.

When you’re down and out, there seems no hope at all But if you just believe there’s no way we can fall Let us realize that a change can only come When we stand together as one! Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie – ‘We Are The World’ Together… One World

All the best for 2016. A American Samoa Capital: Pago Pago : US Dollar Language: Samoan

It’s a subconscious truth that the happiest moments of our life often reside in the minute and unrecognised things. It goes true for countries as well where some of the people still live by their Did You Know? values and cherish them but aren’t so recognised in the modern • The only animals on the islands world. One such country is American Samoa, home of a small are rats, snakes and a few birds. group of Polynesians residing in Samoan islands. American • In Samoa, young men are in Samoa consists of five main islands and two coral atolls. This charge of the food - including wonderful community (That’s right – the whole country is the gathering and the cooking. almost a single community sharing a common religion of Christianity among them), shares a deep empathic relationship among them and their family members. Let us take a glide along this wonderful country and see how different they are from us. for us. These people eat together and offer meals to their children American Samoan economy thrives on their fine skills of farming only after the eldest member of the family, has it. Elders are most and their innate ability to make exquisite articles. Being an island, respected and their decisions are obeyed. They guide the whole exporting fish is a very profitable business option for them and family and children learn about the cultural heritage of their every year Samoans export country by observing their elders. Children consider elders as canned tuna worth millions their idols and follow their advice. What else could be the real of dollars to the US. worth of a life than to leave a cultured generation behind! The system of governance is Apart from their valued culture, they also share a passion for very effective among them. certain games like wrestling, rugby etc. They have reached the Group of extended families quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup several times. How interesting constitute an aiga and each it is to know that Diwali is also celebrated here! Several movie aiga is headed by matai who scenes including from the Lord of the Rings have been shot here. in turn has a chief heading it Samoan islands have wonderful beauty gushing around and it’s known as the ali’i. definitely a place that will create memories. In case you are excited The tragic part is that while wondering how it would be like to wander free on beautiful our homes got bigger, our hearts shrunk. Though number of islands sipping their traditional kava (a local drink made from the hospitals and care homes soared, our desire to care and empathise root of the pepper plant) and your wallet being excited too, take a with elders got marginalised. Looking the way these Samoans live tour of the Samoan islands and give yourself a treat of a lifetime! their lives, I remember those three little words “PURSUIT OF Mukul Kumar Jha, Technical Services, Chemplast Sanmar, HAPPINESS”. Perhaps it is “care” that separates humans from Cuddalore (Team Socrates). the fauna kingdom and this small community is a fine reminder

2 Ia manuia le Tausaga Fou! Barbados B Capital: Bridgetown Currency: Barbadian Dollar Language: English

Barbados traditions are drawn from the West African and British cultures that shaped the island. The majority of the Did You Know? population is of African origin. However the island was a • It is well known that the Mongoose in colony of the British Empire for over 300 years and so the Barbados never crosses the road unless English influence is very strong. someone is watching. • Barbados has the 23rd highest ratio of The architecture is largely in Victorian, Georgian and cars per miles of road! No wonder there Jacobean styles. Many of these buildings remain today, is traffic! especially in our World Heritage Site. These European styles were adapted for the climate with the use of large open verandas and gable roofs. During festivals, the tuk band (a collection of usually brightly attired musicians playing a bass drum, kettle drum Barbados and pennywhistle) generally accompanied by costumed has a strong figures such as the “Shaggy Bear”, “Mother Sally” and cricketing “Green Monkey” make their performances. This tradition tradition; it has is a call to get up and dance, or at least tap your feet! The produced some songs of the tuk band are a blend of African music, with its of the world’s heavy drum influence, and British folk music. finest cricketers Cou-cou and flying fish is the national dish of Barbados. including Sir Garfield Sobers, the 3 Ws (Worrell, Walcott Cou-cou is made from corn meal and okras. It is traditionally and Weekes) and the legendary opening pair Greenidge served with steamed flying fish in a -based sauce and Haynes. The sport of road tennis was invented in but may also be served with salt fish, red herring or . Barbados in the 1930s. Dominos is incredibly popular in Another popular dish is “pudding and souse.” Pudding is Barbados. Kite flying and pitching marbles are popular steamed sweet . Souse is pickled pork. Souse was childhood pastimes. traditionally made from the scrap parts of the pig but today Some of the annual festivals are Crop Over – it reflects the is often made from lean pork . Pudding and souse history of the sugar industry, a protest against injustice and are usually served with pickled sweet potato or pickled the ultimate liberation of enslaved people. The Holetown breadfruit. The pickle is a combination of lime, cucumber, Festival – it commemorates the arrival of the first British and hot peppers. settlers and The Oistins Fish Festival – this pays tribute to W Jesulin Edberg, Instrumentation, Chemplast Sanmar, those who work in the fishing industry. Cuddalore (Team Socrates).

Happy New Year! 3 C Capital: Nicosia Currency: Language: Greek

The Republic of Cyprus, is an European island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, close to Syria and Turkey. It is a country with more tourists visiting it (2.4 million) Did You Know? than its population (1.2 million, 1000 times less than India!). It is popular as it enjoys 340 days of sunshine! • There are more than 1950 species of flowering plants in The nation which Cyprus, 140 of which are found got independence nowhere else in the world. (from England) on • I260 species of fish circle the 16 August 1960, warm Mediterranean waters has as its capital around Cyprus. city Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe. This is a result of a clash Halloumi originated in Cyprus and was initially between the Greek made during the Medieval Byzantine period. Halloumi and Turkish groups. (Hellim) is commonly served, sliced – either fresh or From 1974 to date, one third of the island remains a grilled, as an appetiser. Grilled food over charcoal are Turkish administered area. called souvla. Pourgori is a type of bread common in Cyprus is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite (Venus), Cyprus. Seafood is very common, given that the country the Greek Goddess of Love also known as Kypris or the is an island! The mezedes is a large collection of different (Cyprian). The myth says that she rose from the sea at dishes served in small helpings – in a planned order to Petra tou Romiou in Pafo. enhance the taste and texture. About 79% are Greek and 18% are Turkish on the entire Syrtos, folk dance performed by men and women in a island. If we consider only the part recognised by the UN, circle, is very popular in social gatherings, weddings and the Greek side, then, nearly everyone is Greek. Nearly religious festivals. It symbolises the harmony between 3000 Indians also reside in Cyprus – primarily those male and female roles in the Cypriot society. working in the IT industry. Antikristos is a dance where men and women gracefully Marcos Baghdatis – A tennis player from Cyprus became dance together in couples, in rows across from each other famous for his stunt shots, Baghdatis was ranked 8th to express the joy of life and love. in the world, was a finalist at the Australian Open, and G Sanjay Kumar, SRSTI, Chemplast Sanmar, Cuddalore reached the Wimbledon semi-final, all in 2006. (Team Socrates).

4 Καλή Χρονιά D Capital: Santo Domingo Currency: Dominican Peso Language: Spanish

The Dominican Republic is located on the island of borrowed words from indigenous Caribbean languages Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago in the particular to the island of Hispaniola. The cuisine is Caribbean region. Christopher Columbus arrived in predominantly Spanish, Taino and African. The typical Hispaniola on December 5th 1492 and claimed the land cuisine is quite similar to what can be found in other for . In 1821, the country declared independence Latin American countries. However, the names of the from the Spanish crown and called itself Spanish Haiti. same are different. The Dominican Republic is known The country declared for the creation of the musical style and genre called independence from meringue, a type of lively, fast-paced rhythm and dance Haiti in 1844. music consisting of a tempo of about 120 to 160 beats Following a brief per minute. declaration as a Spanish On the negative side, the Dominican Republic has become colony in 1861, a trans-shipment point for Colombian drugs destined to the country again Europe as well as the United States and Canada. Money declared independence laundering via the Dominican Republic is favoured by from Spain in 1865. Colombian drug cartels for the ease of illicit financial Subsequent years were transactions. filled with brief U.S. occupations, short lived governments with iron fisted Aravind Thayat, Sales, Chemplast Sanmar, HO leaders with many allegations of human rights violations. (Team Apollo). The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy with three branches of power: executive, legislative, and judicial. The president and vice-president run for office Did You Know? on the same ticket and are elected by direct vote for • Dominicans almost never smoke 4-year terms. cigarettes but the country is a major exporter of tobacco in the world. The culture and people of the Dominican Republic are a mixture of the cultures of the Spanish colonists, • Dominicans are very religious. Everywhere in the country, you can African slaves and Taino natives. The local informal and see the inscriptions about God - on conversational Spanish is called Dominican Spanish, machines, in cafes, in shops. which closely resembles other Spanish vernaculars in the Caribbean and the Canarian Spanish. In addition, it

feliz año Nuevo 5 E Ethiopia Capital: Addis Ababa Currency: Ethiopian Birr Language: Amharic

There is an exotic multi-cultural society rich in history and Introductions, exchanging of pleasantries and making located East of Suez. This is the home of Lucy, a 3.2 million connections is far more important than ‘getting down year old Australopithecus female fossil. It has 80 different to business’. Relationship and exchanging favours is a ethnic groups, four vertically segregated caste groups while pre-requisite to concluding business. People of this wonderful several religions co-exist here peacefully. The languages country never say no to a proposal but this does not mean used today in this land originate from an ancient language that they will actually transact the deal with you. that is only used by the orthodox priests during religious Now then, this description more or less fits over a dozen ceremonies and rituals. countries from Latin and South America to Asia and Africa. In this country, men and women have clearly defined, It certainly rings a bell in proximate geographic index. But traditional roles. Parents have much stricter rules for give a few labels and it all becomes unique. The daughters when compared to their sons. is Injera, the spicy stew is called Wat, chilli pepper is called peri-peri, the ancient language is Geéz, the coffee is Their staple food is a flatbread pancake. Cinnamon, ginger, called Bunna. The dominant religious denomination is the and chilli peppers are common used. Sesame oil Orthodox Church. is a preferred cooking oil All that you need to be told then is of a country called medium. At Ethiopia and its Capital Adis Ababa. Reminds me of a very the end of old British Airways TV commercial with a tagline – “The the meal, the world is smaller than you think”. women make Capt. S Krishnamurthi, Operations, Sanmar Shipping, HO an elaborate (Team Apollo). ceremony of roasting coffee beans, grinding Did You Know? and serving • It is one of the very few countries hot coffee to in the world that has never been guests. People occupied by foreign powers. Italy tried twice but was defeated by the observe fasting rituals on days of the week and month as Ethiopians. specified by the orthodox priests. • Ethiopia – This African country is also These people wear cotton dresses mostly due to the mentioned in the Koran, the Iliad, predominantly hot and humid weather and the women’s and the Odyssey. Kameez have colourful borders and patterns.

6 Faroe Islands F Capital: Tórshavn Currency: Faroese Króna, Language: Danish / Faroese

“Islands of the Sheep and the Paradise of the birds” . Tourists are encouraged to take walk along described the Irish monks, the early settlers in Faroe the village paths (used since ancient times for travel) islands in 565 AD. The Faroe islands is a group of 18 during which many stories associated with the place is major islands between the Norwegian Sea and the North enumerated by the local guides which speaks about their Atlantic Ocean with fairytale landscapes, recently selected history and culture. Though by the National Geographic as the world’s most appealing all the modern hangouts like island community in the world. In 9th century Norwegian pubs and clubs are present, farmers settled here in search of new lands. Though large part of their social attached to the medieval Norwegian Kingdom from later life revolves around people half of 12th Century they developed their own culture, visiting each other at their language and other social institutions. The dual monarchy homes. of Norway and Denmark since the 14th Century ceased in Ólavsøka, a cultural and 1814 and the Faroe islands remained under the sovereignty sports festival with boat of the Danish. Since 1948 the Faroe islands are a self races, football matches and governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark. other events is celebrated on July 29 every year. Hoyma, The Faroese are of the Viking descendants from Norway their winter festival is a tradition of throwing their doors or of Scottish descent. The Faroe is a cultural melting pot open for neighbours where they all gather in few houses consisting of 77 nationalities among its 48,000 population. and sing and dance. The Faroese are noted for their friendliness. Crime is not KA Ramenaathan, Sales, Chemplast Sanmar, HO rife and there is no prison, any long term prisoners are (Team Apollo). sent to Denmark. The islands are windy, cloudy and cool throughout the year with over 260 annual rainy days. The weather changes so quickly and frequently that a well- known Faroese saying is ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait Did You Know? five minutes’. • The country’s football team won their first competitive match Fishery has been the major industry contributing to 95% against Austria in September of its export. Whaling which is the hunting of whales is 1990, which prompted a massive very prevalent since 13th century. Though there are several Faroese party. religious communities, approximately 85% of the Faroese • Streymin bridge is the only bridge over the Atlantic Ocean in the belong to the Faroese Evangelical Lutheran Church and world, connecting the island 13% to the Plymouth Brethren. The Faroese cuisine is Streymoy to Eysturoy. dominated by animal products. Traditional food includes skerpikjøt (dried mutton), whale meat, puffins and few

gott nýggjár 7 G Capital: Gibraltar Currency: Sterling, Language: English

The first thing, that struck my mind, when I heard of cross continent migrating birds. 40% of Gibraltar’s “Gibraltar’’ was “Taxi’’. Though it sounds absolutely landscape was already declared as natural reserve in 1993. weird, I would let you know the relevance between The complex is another area of tourist’s Gibraltar and Taxi later on. Gibraltar is a British overseas interest, which is made up of fortified walls and gates. This territory, spread over a landscape of 6.2 sq. kms. with a castle still demonstrates those Muslim conquerors who built handful population of 32000 people. Gibraltar is located and renovated, during various periods of their invasion. The on the entrance of Mediterranean Ocean at the southern gate house, walls and bastions as well the tower of homage end of ‘Iberian Peninsula’. date from second Moorish period (1333) contemporary Gibraltar derives its with the building of Alhambra – Granada located at Spain. name from ‘Gibel ‘‘Taxi’’ is a Gibraltarian pop rock band, which has a wide Tariq’, which is Hispanic fan base and was nominated for Latin Grammy named after the leader awards in 2010 for the best pop album category. This has Tariq–Ibn-Zeyad, been driven by 3Ds – Dylan Ferro, Dani Fa and Danny who led the eight Bugeja. So wish you all a pleasant “Taxi’’ to Gibraltar! century conquest of Spain by combined PM Raj Bino, Customer Support, Sanmar Foundries, force of and Viralimalai (Team Nyx). Berbers crossing from Africa. They called themselves as Moors. After the Moorish era, Did You Know? a treaty of Utrecht dated back in 1713, had given this territory to Britain, • Around 12% of the workforce is employed by Gibraltar’s big online which had a decade long conflict with Spain. Gibraltar gaming industry. is a strong traditional society with an attractive blend of • Britain has 300 years of sovereignty British and Mediterranean customs. The main areas of over the Rock and almost all of its tourist attraction at Gibraltar are ‘The ’, inhabitants want to remain with is a crown property of United Kingdom, which houses rare Britain. species of macaques named ‘Barbary macaques’ and it’s a well known breeding ground for more than 2500 species

8 Happy New Year! Honduras H Capital: Tegucigalpa Currency: Honduran Lempira Language: Spanish

Honduras literally means “depths” in Spanish. The name females as refer to Columbus’s alleged quote that “Gracias a Dios second class que hemos salido de esas Honduras” (“Thank God we citizens who have departed from those depths”). Honduras became become their independent from Spain in 1821 and in 1823 became part husband’s of the United Provinces of Central America federation. property After 1838 it was an independent republic and held regular when they elections. Comayagua was the capital of Honduras until marry. Rape is 1880, when it was transferred to Tegucigalpa. acceptable if Honduras is a vibrant country, brimming with clear an attractive turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush jungles, breath- woman refuses taking mountains, challenging rivers, and fascinating their advances ancient ruins. The main tourist attraction is the restoration and murder is at Copan, the second largest city of the ancient Mayan justified if a wife has been unfaithful or disobedient. Death Empire. The baleada is a representative dish of the has become big business in Honduras, as evidenced by 24- Honduran gastronomy consisting of a flour tortilla which hour funeral parlour in downtown San Pedro Sula. is folded and filled with sour cream. Other popular dishes Love is the medicine of all moral evil. By it the world is to include carne asada (roasted meat), sopa de mondongo be cured of sin. ( ), montucas (corn tamales filled with meat and Dipankur Kumar Sinha, Customer Support, Sanmar vegetables) and so on. Foundries, Viralimalai (Team Nyx). Being a predominantly Catholic country, Honduras gives special attention to the celebrations of Holy week and when it comes to celebrations, Hondurans leave a lot other countries behind. They celebrate national holidays and Did You Know? special events in the form of carnival, fairs and parades throughout the year. The most popular carnival in the • Platano Forest was nominated as one of country is “The Carnival of Friendship” which is a week- the new seven wonders of the world. long celebration with music, exhibitions and special food. • Comayagua has one of the oldest clocks in the world. The country has become a hotbed of crime steering a darker side of it to be revealed. Many poor areas are ruled by gangs • Honduran cuisine’s most notable feature and drug related crime is high. Murder is the leading cause is that it uses more coconut in both of death for young females and violent crime against women sweet and savoury dishes. has become so common it has its own name: femicide. On top of this, there is a prevalent ‘macho culture’ in the country whereby many men have no respect for women. They see

feliz año Nuevo 9 I Ivory Coast Capital: Yamoussoukro Currency: West African CFA Franc Language: French

Did You Know? • The African country of Côte d’Ivoire was the first black Republic and first non-English speaking country to win an Academy Award. • A symphytognathid spider Anapistula caecula (Natuurinformatie) may be the smallest of all the world’s spiders. It is endemic to Côte d’Ivoire.

Thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Europeans in They survived mostly on gathered seeds and fruits and the 1460s, independent tribes occupied present-day Côte hunted animals. d’Ivoire. Popular local dishes include kedjenou (chicken with By the late 1400s, the Portuguese began to show a braised vegetables), attieke ( ground into significant interest in Côte d’Ivoire. They were interested in couscous-like grains and eaten with fish or meat) and spreading Christianity, purchasing slaves, and discovering specialties such as pan-fried frog’s legs. Coast Soccer is new trade routes. The Portuguese soon established several very famous and widely followed. trading centres along the country’s coast, but poor coastal Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy as nearly harbours helped to spare the country from the build up 75 percent of the entire population depends on income of a large slave trade. However, the Europeans desperately from farming. Fishing and forestry are other prominent sought the country’s supply of ivory (from the tusks of economic sectors. elephants) and gold, so trading and exploitation of these goods continued. The country’s nickname, the Ivory Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of cocoa, and Coast, originated because of the country’s well-known is the third largest producer of coffee in the world (behind supply of ivory. It became republic on August 7, 1960. and Columbia). Côte d’Ivoire also became Africa’s leading exporter of pineapples and palm oil. Today, the sixty unmistakable ethnic gatherings that make up the Côte d’Ivoire are inexactly assembled into four primary Maheshwaran S, Maintenance, Sanmar Foundries, social areas which are separated according to environment, Viralimalai (Team Nyx). financial movement, dialect, and general social qualities.

10 bonne année Jordan J Capital: Amman Currency: Jordanian Language: Arabic

Jordan festivals are a pleasing blend of religious and has become a cultural celebrations. Jordan has emerged as one of the sought-after main touring destinations in Middle East. Tourists are theatre event increasingly beginning to understand the relevance of the in the Arab many Jordan festivals. As a result, some of these festivals world. Many have now gained international fame and seek global international participation. dignitaries and some Hakaya Festival Hollywood Hosted in the capital city of Amman, this is one of Jordan’s stars too can most prestigious, annual cultural festivals. The festival be spotted. is essentially an attempt to rejuvenate the traditional art Usually, the of storytelling. In Jordan, storytelling isn’t just about festival is recreation. In a society still bound by conservations hosted for about 8 days. Visitors can choose the days on regarding progressive education and commercialisation, which they want to attend. storytelling is a medium of informing the masses. S Praveen Kumar, GET, Flowserve Sanmar, Karapakkam Festival of Rabee’ Awal (Team Midas). Rabee’ Awal refers to an entire month of religious festivities in Jordan. This is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. During this month, the Mawlid or the birth of Prophet Muhammad is celebrated. The dates are Did You Know? often changed according to the lunar calendar but usually, • The Jordanians believe that praising children in Jordan, it is celebrated around the end of March. The excessively can invite bad luck and is entire nation seems overpowered with a feasting frenzy. generally avoided. This is perhaps the best time to taste the native delicacies • It is considered polite to refuse a meal three of Jordan. times here before actually accepting it. Amman International Theatre Festival • The structures on most of the Petra Archaeological site have been weakened by This annual, theatre festival is regarded as the biggest the salt that is blown from the Dead Sea and of its kind across the entire Middle East and in North which crystalises on the building’s columns. Africa. Held annually in April, the festival is an attempt to promote native theatre artists and their cultural heritage. The performances are rendered in English and Arabic. This

11 K Kosovo Capital: Pristina Currency: Euro Language: Albanian / Serbian

After the World War II, Yugoslavia was set up as a The diversity of festivals makes it possible for people of federation of six republics. In addition, two autonomous different tastes to find themselves in a city this small. provinces were established within Serbia: Vojvodina and Etno Fest is a cultural event held during summer. As the Kosovo. The decade long unrest after Tito’s death in 1980 years passed the festival progressed into something bigger led to split of Yugoslavia in 1992-93. This was not all. The than the exposure of traditional food and folkloric music. call for a separate Kosovo nation gathered momentum The very famous The Pristina Music, Wine and Beer in 1991. Serbia responded to this separatist call from Festival are also a summer event that is held annually from Kosovo by launching a brutal crackdown on the territory’s 30 August to 5 September. It offers different types of beer Albanian population resulting in a conflict. This was and wine for half the price. Similarly people of Kosovo are only brought to end after NATO military intervention in interested in sports activities like car racing and street ball. 1999. Until 2008 the Kosovo province was administered by the UN. In February 2008 Kosovo was declared an M Vishal, GET, Flowserve Sanmar, Karapakkam independent secular republic country. (Team Midas). Though a number of countries have recognised Kosovo as a separate country, India along with Russia & China, is yet to recognise it. However the diplomatic relations Did You Know? between the Republics of Serbia & Kosovo is becoming better based on 2013 Brussels agreement. • 70% of Kosovo population is under 35 years. MG Krishna Kumar, IT, Sanmar Corp. Divn., • The Newborn monument is a Karapakkam (Team Midas). typographic sculpture and tourist For centuries, the ethnic Albanian villagers have lived in attraction. It is painted differently and Kosovo within extensive families among members consisting unveiled on 17 February every year. of 70 to 100 which were ruled by a chosen patriarch. Up to this date, the Kosovar society is still built on family units in the majority of the rural areas, even though the family structure has progressively eroded since the end of World Kosovo is famous for its Medieval Monuments, it consists War II. of four Serbian Orthodox Christian Churches and monasteries built in the 13th and 14th centuries. They Progress towards modernisation started advancing in the represent the fusion of the eastern Orthodox Byzantine 1970s, when the modern educated elite initiated the process. and the western Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture to However, outside the major cities, in the rural areas, it has form the Palaiologian Renaissance style. It has a distinct been unable to alter the loyalty towards tradition. style of mural painting. G Arjun, Trainee, BS&B Safety Systems, Karapakkam Srinivasa Chandrasekhar Saripalle, IT, Sanmar Corp. Divn., (Team Midas). Karapakkam (Team Midas).

12 Gëzuar Vitin e Ri Liechtenstein L Capital: Vaduz Currency: Language: German

The name ‘Liechtenstein’ was given to the region by the Prince of Liechtenstein, who purchased the County of Vaduz (1712) and the lands of Schellenberg (1699) and Did You Know? united them to form the Principality of Liechtenstein in • Liechtenstein is the world’s major 1719. Liechtenstein is named after a princely castle in the exporter of false teeth. There are even town of Maria Enzensdorf two false-teeth factories specialising in in Upper Austria, built making dark-brown teeth, for export to by Hugo von Petronell- countries. Liechtenstein around • The average citizen of Liechtenstein 1130. This castle is said doesn’t even lock their door because crime in the country is so low. to stand on a rock known as the light (‘Licht’) stone (‘Stein’). Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the West Gutenberg Castle and Schloss Vaduz are two of the medieval and South and Austria to attractions that are a must-see while touring Liechtenstein. the East and North. It has The highest peak in the Drei Schwestern, Kuhgrat, provides an area of just over 160 square kilometres (1/3 of Chennai) awesome views of the surrounding countryside. and an estimated population of 37,000. Liechtenstein In the past, tourism is the sixth-smallest country in the world. Being small in was focused on size, Liechtenstein has been strongly affected by external and winter sports in cultural influences, most notably those originating in the the country’s Alpine southern German-speaking areas of Europe. resorts (Malbun and Their national dish is ‘Ribel’, which is made using cornmeal Steg). Today, however, or wheat semolina. Cider and wine are the main drinks. Liechtenstein offers a Today, Liechtenstein’s wine has an excellent reputation. wide range of sporting activities and a vibrant Liechtenstein is a business centre with proven financial cultural scene that expertise. Most people in Liechtenstein work in the services attract a large number sector. When it comes to manufacturing and industry, of visitors all year Liechtenstein specialises in high-tech products in the fields round. of machine building and food products. Liechtenstein is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). A Francis Kamel, HR, Flowserve Sanmar, Karapakkam (Team Midas).

Frohes neues Jahr 13 Famous landmarks around the world

Given are fourteen famous recognisable landmarks of the world, a must-see for the avid traveller. Identify these monuments and the countries they are situated in. The first three correct entries win a prize each. Rush your entries to [email protected] CONTEST

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14 CONTEST 15 10 14 14 13 12 9 13 8 11 12 8 7 11 10

7 9 6 M Macedonia Capital: Skopje Currency: Language: Macedonian

Macedonia, once the Kingdom of the Great Alexander, a million years land-locked nation located in south-eastern Europe. The old and has 200 current border runs along mountain chains that separate endemic species the republic from Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Kosovo that haven’t been and Serbia. The country consists mostly of mountains found at any other separated by flat river valleys. Mother Teresa (Agnes place in the world. Gonxha Bojaxhiu) was born in Skopje, the capital of It was declared a Macedonia. It is the only country that got independence World Heritage from Yugoslavia through Ahimsa without shedding a site by UNESCO single drop of blood. in 1979. About two third of the population The Macedonian belong to the Macedonian Cultural Festival is organised every year to showcase Orthodox Church, some 30 the rich culture of Macedonia through music, singing, percent are Muslims and there is display of Macedonian folkloric dancing and Macedonian a small number of Catholics living traditional food. in the country. Once a party-rule communist country, now the political The Millennium Cross is a 66 system of Macedonia is one of a modern parliamentary metre-high cross situated atop republic. Yet, Macedonia is economically weak, politically- the Vodno Mountain in Skopje, unaware and faces ongoing ethnic tension. and is the biggest cross in the KS Sampathkumar, Production, Chemplast Sanmar, Mettur world. It was constructed to serve (Team Atlas). as a memorial for 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia and the world. Did You Know? Another interesting feature about • Alexander the Great, who was king this country is that it has as many as 34 mountain peaks, of the former Kingdom of Macedonia, each more than 2,000 metres high above the sea-level; was the first world-size conqueror who extended his empire across with Mount Golem Karb being the highest at 2,753 Greece and Persia to India and Egypt. metres. Most peaks in Macedonia have never been visited During his time, the Kingdom of by people. According to NASA, Kokino is the fourth Macedonia was the most powerful in oldest astronomic observatory in the world. the world. Ohrid Lake is the oldest and one of the deepest lakes in Europe (max depth 288m). It is estimated to be 4

16 среќна Нова Година Netherlands N Capital: Amsterdam Currency: Euro Language: Dutch

Netherlands is a small, densely populated country located The Delta project is considered by the American Society of in Western Europe. The name literally means “Lower Civil Engineers as Countries”, influenced by its low land and flat geography, one of the seven with only about 50% of its land exceeding one metre wonders of the above sea level. Most of the areas below sea level are man- modern world. made. It is the world’s second-largest exporter of food and The main goal of agricultural products. This is partly due to the fertility of the Delta project the soil and the mild climate. is to reduce the In 2013, the United Nations World Happiness Report risk of flooding ranked Netherlands as the seventh happiest country in in South Holland the world, reflecting its high quality of life. and Zeeland. The people of Netherlands are basically Germans. They The Room for share a common culture and are generally seen as the the river plan, pioneers of capitalism, and they emphasis on a modern that grants more flow space to rivers, protects the major economy, secularism and a free market. This influenced populated areas and allows for periodic flooding of British Empire and the United states. indefensible lands. Another successfully executed project which protects the country from river flooding. Traditionally, Dutch cuisine is simple and straightforward, with many vegetables and little meat. Breakfast and lunch Had we learned from Netherlands, we would have avoided are typically bread with toppings while dinner is meat and the Chennai rains disaster! potatoes, supplemented with seasonal vegetables. V Subramanian, Plant Services, Chemplast Sanmar, Mettur There is an abundance of lively festivals in the Netherlands, (Team Atlas). celebrating life, flowers and music. One important festival is the greatest flower show at the Keukenhof garden. Did You Know? There will be around eight million flowers on view in a • Gin was invented in the spectacular display from March to May. Netherlands under the name of Jenever The procession with about 20 floats staging giant dolls and was originally used for medicinal made of flowers, jugglers, dancers and players make their purposes in the 16th century. way in a 25-mile route from Noordwijk to Haarlem is • The first country to legalise same sex another festival. This is celebrated in the month of April. marriages in April 21, 2001. • Amsterdam is one of the capitals with The cycling is a ubiquitous mode of transport in the the most museums in the world. Netherlands. The Dutch are estimated to have 18 million bicycles which is more than its population.

gelukkig nieuwjaar 17 O Oman Capital: Muscat Currency: Omani Rial Language: Arabic / Urdu

Oman is a beautiful country in the Arab peninsula. Muscat - a port on the Gulf of Oman, was a prosperous trading centre and an influential regional city. It was during the 7th century AD that Oman adopted Islam. Developments Oman was occupied by Portugal in 1508 and Turkey in 1659. After becoming a self governing region, it was long ruled by Sultans. In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al Said replaced his father and took control of the country and this ancient land completely gained its independence. Oman’s new Sultans developed oil industry, new roads, hospitals and schools, allowing girls to attend school and establishing adult literacy programs. interesting market with traditional Omani products and antiques. It is the country with stunning contrast of Economy & Food deserts, mountains and beaches. Dates, limes, nuts, and vegetables are cultivated in the The article is based on the information given by one of north and livestock are raised in the southwest, but the my ex-colleagues Mr. Jai Rupani, who is settled in Oman. major product is oil. Natural gas production and copper mining were developed in the early 1980s to diversify the KB Manoharan, Projects, Cabot Sanmar, Mettur economy. are also common. (Team Atlas). Tourism Tourism has grown to the point that it is expected to be one of the largest industries in the country. Oman has Did You Know? one of the most diverse environments in the Middle East, • There is a shrub in Oman known as and is well known for its cultural offerings. Muscat is myrtus communis or yas. Its leaves are recognised for its many tourist amenities. used for making perfume. Events & Festivals • The highlands of Oman have raised irrigation system. Through it, water Oman holds a number of festivals and events. Many of is carried from mountain streams. these feature its rich culture and arts. The four major Known as the ‘Aflaj Irrigation Systems’, festivals celebrated are Muscat Festival, Traditional Boat it has been listed as a UNESCO World Races, Salalah Tourism and Cultural Theatre Program. Heritage Site. Oman can be visited to enjoy the natural beauty, warm and friendly people, beautiful pristine beaches and quite

18 naya sal Mubarak Peru P Capital: Asuncion Currency: Peruvian Nuevo Sol Language: Spanish / Quéchua

Peru is a country fairly comparable with India as it shares Later Incan empire was captured by the eagle eyes of much similarities in the early, medieval history and also in the great Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro who the present. Peru gets its name from its historic Inca ruler executed the then Incan Chief and set his rule in Peru with ‘Biru’ like our country “Bharath”. the new capital city, The City of Lima. Like The British colonisation of India, the Kingdom of Peru was under the Peru can also be called a peninsula like that of ours with Spanish colonial rule for more than two hundred years a vast Pacific coast on one side and all the other sides (until early 1800s). The country has got into the groove of surrounded by land of neighbouring South American elections and parliamentary setup in the recent past. countries. The recorded and accounted history of Peru dates back to 9000 BC during which it was inhabited by Multi-layers of civilisations and varied demography has nomadic hunter gatherers who lived in coastal caves. Then turned Peru, an interesting spot for foreign tourists. The followed the rise and fall of several small kingdoms like people from various origins living together harmoniously with mutual respect reminds of India’s unity in diversity. Peru has Spanish as the official language although the native Peruvians take pride in speaking their Incan Language “Quechua”. The county still carries archaic and ostentatious monuments in every walk through the capital city which reminds us of its greatness and oldness. The mighty Huascaran peak in the wide Andean Mountains, the narrow but rich Pacific coast and the scenic beauty of lowlands of the Amazon basin would attract anyone traveling to Peru. R Karthik, Trainee, Xomox Sanmar, Chennai (Team Rhea).

The Salinar, The Nazca, and The Huari which were locally Did You Know? important. The first Empire that united the Highlands • Peru is the only country whose name and Coasts of Peru and gave the country a geographic in English can be typed on a single row of a normal keyboard. extent was The Inca empire which was the most longlived, and prosperous empires of Peru. The native Peruvians who • There are some 90 different were called Amerindians by Columbus who discovered micro-climates in Peru, making it one of the most bio-diverse countries this beautiful part of our World, still maintain the rustic on the planet. Incan flavours in all aspects of their lives like music, dance, lifestyle, festivals, etc.

sumak musujj wata atawsami 19 Q Qatar Capital: Doha Currency: Qatari Riyal Language: Arabic

It is a pleasant surprise to acknowledge that Qatar is is an assurance given by most foreign workers that once incredible in the aspect of being inclusive in pondering we meet the Qataris, they become some of the most loyal all other countries’ citizens with open arms. Qataris are friends we will ever have. living in minority accommodating non-citizen residents To say about food, many native varieties of dates and amounting to two-thirds of its population. Having seafood are central to Qatar’s cuisine, with sour apples established the Monarchy rule since 18th century, the and fresh almonds being local delicacies. Machbous is indigenous population descends from Bedouin tribes a richly spiced combined with meat and seafood is from the nomads of Arabian Peninsula. traditionally served from a large communal platter. Arabian People are more important than any other since valuing coffee made of a lightly roasted bean that is sweetened and people in our life and respecting them has become the spiced with in small thimble shaped cups are most soulful thing that is forever universally accepted. The served to guests. The elite serve the Qahwa helw (sweet people’s attitude is very precisely shown in their generosity coffee) on special occasions, it’s a vivid orange infusion of of having saffron, cardamom, and sugar. It is always a privilege to foreign describe the richness of a country and thanks to the team workers of Scribbles for making me privileged! to greater S Siva, Trainee, Xomox Sanmar, Viralimalai (Team Rhea). majority. However, strictly, Qatar is still an Did You Know? Islamic • Although Qatar is originally a desert, society that it has a diverse range of flora and all of us would unanimously agree to. Islam being the fauna. official religion, it is practiced by 95% of the people. It • Qataris are so wealthy, that in winter they burn 500 riyal ($137) notes for will be much less of a shock upon your arrival if you know kindling. and respect the culture and traditions of the country. • In Qatar the work week is from ‘Socialising is the key for a healthy living’. A little Sunday - Thursday. socialising can go a long way in Qatar. People in Doha step outside their comfort zone to seek friendship. There

20 Romania R Capital: Bucharest Currency: Language: Romanian

Did You Know? • Bigar Cascade Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in the world, it’s been voted as Number One by the World Geography. • Romania’s 10-bani note issued in 1917 is the smallest paper money ever printed (dimensions: 1.08 x 1.49 in).

mysterious stories of Dracula and the vampires that Authentic, Natural and Cultural are the three words that supposedly inhabit the castles of the Carpathians and best describe this European Land of Castles. Found at Transylvania that have been the prototypes for all of the the southern end of the continent, the mystic country favourite movie castles are lucrative sites for the daring has been the gateway for and adventure-loving. inhabitation of the continent. Surprisingly enough, this Romanian cuisine is known for its great variety and taste. civilisation actually has a It is influenced by the repeated waves of different cultures heritage that is as old as 400 especially the Greek, Roman and the invading Ottoman centuries. The descendants of empires. Interesting to note are the plum brandy, pastrami the Dacians from Grete and the and the Romanian cheese that are unique to the country. Romans who have settlements The variety in food is celebrated and incorporated into form the mystic ethnic groups the many festivals that are celebrated throughout the that reside in the mountainous year in various forms. The celebrations are diverse and country. Their bravery is one that has been well depicted. are designed to appreciate every aspect of the country’s culture. The beautiful Carpathian ranges, the castles and the lush green forests attract thousands of travellers and historians The haunting beauty, the rustic landscape and the every year. The people’s vivid imagination and intense mysteries that hang on the walls of the age old castles of spirituality have always been expressed through their this surprisingly, lesser-known country, inspire one’s awe architecture. The centuries old monasteries, churches, and wonder still. synagogues, castles found all over the country depict K Vignesh, Trainee, Xomox Sanmar, Viralimalai the country’s tumultuous history. The reality inspired (Team Rhea).

un an nou fericit 21 S Seychelles Capital: Victoria Currency: Seychellois Rupee Language: Seychellois Creóle

Close your eyes, and just imagine. You are lazing on a Fish and rice is the most talcum-powder beach, lapped by topaz waters and backed lovable and consumable food. by lush hills. This is Seychelles. Seychelles is an ideal place to spend The 115-island country lies in east of mainland East quality solitude time with family Africa. Seychelles tasted since the place is much closer to Independence in 1976 and nature and far away from all kinds is now progressing under the of human disturbances. guidance of President James Aakash Kumar, GET, BS&B Safety Michel republically. Systems, Delhi (Team Poseidon). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve” is located in Seychelles. It is the only place in the world to find the rare “coco de mer palm” (Coconut) and is home to rare birds like: Seychelles bulbul, Fruit Pigeon and the Black Parrot. The country is also home to the heaviest land tortoise that is living in the wild. Named Esmeralda, the animal weighs 304 kilograms and is said to be around 150 years old. Deep sea diving is a popular sport in Seychelles where divers get an opportunity to literally swim with the whales. Among one of the lesser-known Did You Know? island countries, Seychelles is • The basis of the school system is a home to almost 90 thousand free, compulsory, 10-year public people. It is famous for its school education. Wildlife Reserves, Tourism • The country’s fish consumption and Beaches. Main economy ranks among the highest in the of the country is Tourism and Fisheries. Therefore, apart world. from their language “Seychellois Creole”, English and French is very common at tourist spots.

22 mon swet zot la bonn anen Turkey T Capital: Ankara Currency: Turkish Language: Turkish

A famous Turkish journalist, Ugur Mumcu, while • More journalists are imprisoned in Turkey than in any commenting on diversity in Turkish culture, accumulated other country. the facts in an interesting statement, “A Turkish citizen • Turkey’s Istanbul Tunnel is the world’s second largest is a person who marries according to Switzerland civil underground railway - it began operation in 1875. law, gets punished according to Italian criminal law, gets prosecuted according to German Criminal Procedure, • Istanbul is the only city in the word built on two gets administered according to French administration law continents. and gets buried according to Islamic law.” • “muvaffakiyetsizlestiricilestiriveremeyebileceklerim- izdenmissinizcesine” is the longest word in Turkish language which has 70 letters. It is derived from the noun “muvaffakiyet”(success) and means “As though you are from those whom we may not be able to easily make into a maker of unsuccessful ones”. • The Turkish alphabets does not include “X” or “Q”, but has other letter such as dot-less “I” (l) instead. • Despite the appearance of camels at holiday resorts, there’s no desert in Turkey and there are no native camels. • An old Turkish tradition says “a stranger at one’s doorstep is God’s guest for at least three days.” Javed Saifi,Sales, Tyco Sanmar, Delhi (Team Poseidon).

• Turkey is not called Turkey. It’s actually been called the Republic of Turkey since 1923. Did You Know? • In 1503, Leonardo da Vinci submitted plans for a • Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara and bridge across Bosphorus - it was never built. became the Bishop of Demre, on • Turkey is responsible for 80% of the world’s hazelnut Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast. exports. • Turks introduced coffee to Europe. • The first ever Christian Church to be built by man was • Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey. in Antoich, Turkey. • Most Turks did not have surnames until 1934.

yeni yılınız kutlu olsun 23 U Uruguay Capital: Montevideo Currency: Uruguayan Peso Language: Spanish

Whenever the name Uruguay is heard, the first thing that It has the longest national comes to mind is FOOTBALL! Well, being a small nation, anthem in the world – lasting Uruguay has achieved greatness and a lot of recognition in almost six minutes. Luckily world through Football. It is the national sport of the country. for Rooney and the boys, they But there’s much more to this small South American nation only ever play the first verse at than just Football. sporting events. The name ‘Uruguay’ comes Although Uruguay has no from the Uruguay river, which official religion, more than one is thought to mean ‘river of the third of the population does not painted birds’ in the Guarani profess any religion. Christmas language. Uruguay has a modern is called “Family day” and Holy and socialised lifestyle with week is called “Tourism week”. a European feel to it, this is The education is free and secular. primarily because of its large European population that The president of Uruguay, Jose emigrated from Europe in last two centuries. Uruguayans are Mujica donates 90 % of his salary to charity. friendly, peaceful and party loving people. All these make Uruguay a culturally rich and unique nation When it comes to food, is its mainstay. People eat and surely after reading this one would feel there’s so much ridiculous amount of meat here! There are about four times we ought to know about small and unfamiliar countries such as many cows as people in Uruguay. Cattle farming is its main as Uruguay. industry making it one of the leading producer of meat as well as the highest per capita consumer of meat in the world. Akshay Kumar, Sales, Flowserve Sanmar, Delhi (Team Poseidon). They have a replacement for coffee, known as “mate”, which is the most popular beverage in Uruguay. It’s a tea-like drink made of dried yerba mate leaves. Did You Know? The famous dance “Tango” originated in this • Uruguay is the 2nd least corrupt country country. Every year a Tango festival is celebrated in (Chile is the first). in the week of June 24th in a town called • Every house in Uruguay has it’s own name. Tacuarembo. During this festival the whole town • Uruguay generates 95% of its electricity is alive with celebrations, parties and dancing. In through renewable energy. 2013, Uruguay became the first country to legalise trade in cannabis. Also same sex marriage is legal in Uruguay.

24 feliz año Nuevo Vatican City V Capital: Vatican City Currency: Euro Language: Italian

Kingdom of Italy, scored a political point by striking a deal; they gave land of Vatican to Pope and apology money as Did You Know? compensation. In return, Pope agreed to acknowledge Italy • Popes did not live at the Vatican until as a State and promised to stay neutral in war and politics. the 14th century. The deal was signed and Vatican was born. • St. Peter’s Basilica sits atop a city of the Saheb Sood, Sales, BS&B Safety Systems, Baroda dead, including its namesake’s tomb. (Team Zeus). • For nearly 60 years in the 1800s and 1900s, Popes refused to leave the With its museums and basilica housing items of immense Vatican. cultural importance, it is no wonder Vatican City has been declared a UNESCO World Vatican city, capital of the Catholic Church, home to Pope - owner of impressive collection of art and history, all contained Heritage site. in the borders of the world’s smallest country. Conveniently The Vatican mints its own , the country is circum-navigable on foot in just 40 minutes. prints its own stamps, issues We often get amazed at how the world ended up with this tiny passports and license plates, nation. Actually the Pope used to rule the country known as operates media outlets and has PAPAL STATES that covered much of modern day Italy. It its own flag and anthem. One was around 754-1870, Pope constructed St. Peters Basilica, government function it lacks: the largest church in the world and built a wall around the taxation. Museum admission base of the hill. fees stamp and souvenir sales, But the kingdom of Italy next door, thought Rome would and contributions generate the make an awesome capital and conquered it. As the nation Vatican’s revenue. was destroyed, Pope hid behind the walls of church and Most people in Vatican City are conflictingly refused to acknowledge the kingdom of tourists there for the day or are Italy existed and simultaneously complained about being workers, most of who live in Italy and only work in Vatican imprisoned in Italy which according to him never existed. City. If you’re dining in Vatican City the options are Rather than risking religious civil war by getting rid of Pope, limited as there are only a couple of places for the public to the kingdom of Italy decided to weigh him out, assuming he eat. In the Vatican Museums there is a cafe near the Sistine will eventually give up. But religion is nothing if not obstinate. Chapel rightfully called “Sistina.” Then 5 Popes and 60 years later, nothing changed which now Nayan M Shah, Sales, Flowserve Sanmar, Vadodara brings us to Benito Mussolini, the then Prime Minister of (Team Zeus).

felice anno nuovo 25 W Wallis and Futuna Capital: Mata-Utu Currency: CFP Franc Language: French / Wallisian

Due to the heavy rain and floods in Chennai, The Hindu – one of India’s oldest newspaper was not published for the first time since 1878. Reading newspaper with a cup of tea/coffee has become a routine part of our life. However there are still countries in the world without even a Press. Let’s explore one such country with no Press, only one AM radio station and two television stations with population even smaller than most districts in India –Wallis & Futuna. Wallis and Futuna Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean. The residents of the islands voted to become an overseas French territory in 1959. The official language is French, but Wallisian, a Polynesian dialect, is also spoken. in the family is available, women comb the lagoon for The French President serves as the chief of state, the islands crustaceans. Pigs and chickens are raised mainly for are divided into three kingdoms with a king to oversee celebratory occasions. each. Pork and turtle are feast foods, with chicken also being Both Wallis and Futuna have a subsistence-based economy. reserved for special occasions. Alcohol is an expected part The land produces taro, yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, of public feasting on Wallis, and kava is drunk by Futunan and breadfruit. There are no sales of local foods, except to men. foreigners. Tushar Prakash Pahurkar, Sales, Xomox Sanmar, The kava bowl and tapa cloth Vadodara (Team Zeus). are important symbols of both cultures. Kava is drunk both ritually and secularly Did You Know? in Futuna. The kava bowl is used to honour chiefs and • Wallis is an incredibly expensive place. It can afford to be because the existing hierarchy. Tapa nobody really works yet everyone has cloth is made by women for money. exchange at rituals that draw • The population is approximately extended families together. It 15,000, and the literacy rate is is symbolic of women’s wealth, along with specially scented estimated at 50 percent. oil. Food gifts are symbols of welcome and good will. Villages on Wallis near the lagoon eat fish. If no man

26 bonne année Y Capital: Sanaá Currency: Yemeni Rial Language: Arabic

Yemen is derived from the legendary ancestor Yaman, from the Yemen provides many opportunities for outdoor sports, Arabic root ymn (the right) since Yemen is located to the right such as biking, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, mountain of the Meccan sanctuary of Kaaba. Some scholars compare jumping. The coastal areas of Yemen provide many the Arabic word yumna (“happy”) with the Roman name for opportunities for water the southwest Arabia, Arabia Felix (“Happy Arabia”). sports, such as , Yemen is one of the oldest centres of civilisation in the Near body boarding, sailing, East. Its relatively fertile land and adequate rainfall in a moist , and scuba climate helped sustain a stable population. Between the 12th diving. century BC and the 6th century AD, it was dominated by six Camel jumping is a successive civilisations which rivaled each other and controlled traditional sport that is the lucrative trade. becoming increasingly The has an ancient history, influenced by popular among the Islam. Yemen has acquired a very distinctive culture from its Zaraniq tribe on the west neighbours; historically and culturally, the people of Yemen coast of Yemen. Camels are placed side to side and victory have closer ties with the Horn of Africa than they do with the goes to the competitor who leaps, from a running start, rest of Arabia and the Middle East. over the most camels. The jumpers train year round for The generous offering of food to guests is one of the customs competitions. in Yemeni culture, and a guest not accepting the offering Ajay Balakrishna Shanbhag, Sales, Flowserve Sanmar, is considered as an insult. In Yemen, many kitchens have a Surat (Team Zeus). taboon, which is a round clay oven. Breads are an integral part of , most of which are prepared from local grains. A spice mixture known as hawaij is employed in many Yemeni dishes. Hawaij includes aniseeds, fennel seeds, ginger, Did You Know? and cardamom. • You do not have to tip in Yemen, the Dr Darshika Nayan Shah, W/o Nayan M Shah, Sales, practice is unknown. Flowserve Sanmar, Vadodara. • Yemenis take much pride in their wedding traditions. An average Football is the most popular sport in Yemen. The Yemen wedding feast lasts 21 days. Football Association is a member of FIFA and AFC. They • More children are born in Yemen than compete in the national and international leagues. in any other middle eastern country yearly. Yemen’s biggest sports event was hosting the 2010 Gulf Cup of Nations in Aden and Abyan in the southern part of the country.

27 Z Zambia Capital: Lusaka Currency: Zambian Kwacha Language: English / Bembe(a)

Until 1964, Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia. The Traditionally, people would marry within their tribe and country’s name Zambia was taken from the name of the the man and his negotiator start negotiations for a lobola Zambezi River. Zambia, in southern Africa, is a landlocked (dowry) with a prospective country of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, with many bride’s family. parks and safari areas. Because Zambia is landlocked, you Football is the main passion need to travel 600 miles before you can see any real ocean. and Zambians were euphoric Zambia’s relatively small population of over 13 million live when their team won the 2012 in an area twice the Africa Cup of Nations. The size of neighbouring win was significant and moving Zimbabwe. Therefore because of a tragedy which much of Zambia is occurred in 1993. In 1993, sparsely populated. Zambia lost 18 national football players in an airplane crash. Although Zambia The squad was headed to a World Cup qualifier in Senegal lies within the and was expected to do well. The captain, Kalusha Bwalya, tropics, much of was not on the ill-fated flight and held the Africa Cup trophy it has a pleasant high with the winning 2012 team. climate because Traditional arts and crafts, such as wood carving, basket- of the altitude. weaving and pottery, are valued. But these crafts are under Temperatures are threat because of migration away from rural areas and the highest in the valleys and by the shores. arrival of modern manufactured goods. On its border with Zimbabwe is famed Victoria Falls – indigenously called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “Smoke that Thunders”. On top of Victoria Falls is the Devil’s Pool in the form of overdraft ramps located right on the edge of the waterfall. This river snaking up to several countries at once, Did You Know?

smother Devil’s Pool with clear water and fast-flowing. The • Lake Kariba is so huge that in certain J Merrilina Veena SS Rameshwari, natural pool is one of the most sought after tourist spot in parts of it, unknowing visitors think the world, because the view from the top of the Victoria Fall they are looking at the ocean. indeed provides an unforgettable sensation for tourists. • Because of the Victoria Falls’ spray,

the forest beside it receives “rain” 24 Senthilkumar, Ramadevi Ravi, Shilpa Jagan, team: Sarada Editorial The Zambian staple meal of Nshima, which is cooked out hours a day, seven days a week! of corn meal or mealie-meal, is eaten in virtually all homes twice per day. For Internal Circulation Only. Only. Circulation Internal For Chennai 600 086. Ph: + 91 44 2812 8051/ 52 Chennai 600 086. Ph: Designed by Kalamkriya Limited, 9, Cathedral Road, Kalamkriya Limited, 9, Cathedral Road, by Designed

28 Kristu abe nenu muli ino nshiku nkulu ya Mwezi